Mass Effect 3 Citadel Epilogue Romance Guide: Unlocking Every Moment of Connection
So, you’ve beaten the Reapers. The galaxy is saved, but your journey with Commander Shepard isn’t quite over yet. You’ve heard about the legendary Citadel DLC—a love letter to the characters we’ve grown to adore over three epic games. And at the heart of this whirlwind of nostalgia, humor, and one last hurrah is the romance subplot. Whether you’re romancing the steadfast Garrus, the passionate Liara, or any of the other incredible squadmates, this guide is your definitive walkthrough to experiencing every heartfelt, funny, and tender romantic scene the Citadel DLC has to offer.
Think of this DLC as two distinct acts: the main mission involving the Shepard clone, and the post-mission party and hangout sessions. The romance content is cleverly woven throughout all these phases, and missing a step can mean missing a precious, final moment with your love interest. This guide will ensure you don't miss a single line of dialogue or a single meaningful glance.
Setting the Stage: The Invitation and the Apartment
The romance arc truly begins after you complete the main "clone" mission. Once you’ve retaken your apartment and had the initial celebratory moments with your crew, you’ll gain access to the apartment’s private terminal. Here, you can invite various squadmates up for a one-on-one visit. This is your first major romance trigger.
- For most romances: You will find an email from your love interest on the terminal. For example, if you’re in a romance with Garrus, you’ll get a message titled "Calibrations" (of course). Liara’s is "Prothean Data Disk." Opening and reading this email is crucial. It unlocks the "Invite" option for that character.
- The Invitation Scene: Inviting them up leads to a unique, often intimate, scene. This isn't the grand romantic finale yet, but a quieter moment of reconnection. With Kaidan or Ashley, you might share a quiet drink on the balcony. With Tali, you’ll watch her favorite Fleet and Flotilla vid. With Jack, she’ll show you her new tattoo. These scenes are vital for re-establishing your bond after the war and are a prerequisite for the later, more significant romantic encounter. Don't skip this step!
The Main Event: The "Lock In" Scene
This is the scene most players think of when they talk about the Citadel romance. It’s the definitive "date night." To unlock this, you must have completed the invitation scene mentioned above. After that, you need to progress the DLC’s storyline by inviting more squadmates to the apartment and eventually planning the famous party.
The trigger for the big romantic evening is usually the "Meet me at the casino" or similar message you receive from your love interest. This typically happens after you’ve hosted a smaller, initial gathering (the "low-key" party option is recommended if you want to focus on the romance without the chaos of the full party).
Once you get that message, head to the Silversun Strip. You’ll have a public date—like dancing with Thane at the casino or sharing a drink with Miranda at the bar. This public segment is charming, but the real magic happens when you return to the apartment.
The Apartment Scene: This is the pinnacle of the Citadel romance arc. It’s a lengthy, dialogue-rich scene filled with callbacks, inside jokes, and profound emotional closure. Here’s a glimpse of what makes each one special:
- Liara T'Soni: Her scene is deeply emotional and forward-looking. You’ll discuss the future, what comes after the war, and even a certain "goddess" will make an appearance. It’s a beautiful blend of her intellectual curiosity and her deep, unwavering love for Shepard.
- Garrus Vakarian: Pure, unadulterated charm and camaraderie. You’ll talk about calibrations one last time, share a bottle of Turian brandy, and engage in some hilariously awkward yet endearing attempts at "human romance." It perfectly captures the bond between a soldier and his best friend who also happens to be the love of his life.
- Tali'Zorah vas Normandy: Tali’s scene is incredibly sweet and personal. You’ll share a home-cooked Quarian meal (dextro-amino, of course), she’ll give you a signed copy of her Fleet and Flotilla poster, and you’ll finally get to see her face, a moment of immense trust and intimacy that is uniquely powerful.
- Kaidan Alenko / Ashley Williams: For these original squadmates, the scene is one of grounded comfort and reflection. You’ll talk about the past, the sacrifices made, and build a future together in their minds, even if it's just for one night. It’s a mature, heartfelt conclusion to a long and complicated relationship.
- Miranda Lawson: Miranda’s scene is intense and private. Having faced her father and secured her own freedom, she is finally able to be completely vulnerable with Shepard. The scene focuses on her shedding her "perfect" exterior and embracing a real, emotional connection.
- Jack (Subject Zero): Jack’s romance scene is a testament to her incredible character growth. It’s raw, passionate, and surprisingly tender. She opens up about her students and her fears, showing a side of herself she reserves only for Shepard.
- Thane Krios (for a bittersweet moment): If you romanced Thane, a special scene is available where you meet him at the casino. It’s a poignant, heartbreaking, and beautiful farewell that serves as his memorial, allowing you to say a proper goodbye to the graceful drell assassin.
The Morning After and the Party
After your romantic evening, you’ll wake up the next morning to a final, quiet scene. This is often a simple, peaceful moment—making breakfast, sharing a joke, or just lying in bed together. It’s the calm after the storm and a perfect, gentle conclusion to the romantic arc.
But the romance doesn’t end there! The final layer comes during the big party. Your romantic partner will act as your co-host, and your interactions with them throughout the evening will be flavored by your relationship. They’ll check in on you, share private jokes, and you’ll have the option to share a final, public kiss or embrace, solidifying your relationship in front of all your friends. Choosing between a "lively" or "quiet" party can also influence the tone of these interactions, with the quieter party allowing for more personal moments.
Key Tips for a Flawless Romantic Experience:
- Complete the Game First (Optional but Recommended): Many players prefer to play the Citadel DLC after the main story's conclusion, treating it as a true epilogue. The game allows this if you have a save from before the final assault on Cronos Station.
- Secure Your Romance Early: Ensure your romance is locked in before starting the DLC. You should have the "Love Interest" note in your Journal from the main game.
- Check Your Terminal Relentlessly: After every major DLC step, check your apartment terminal. New emails from your squad, and especially your love interest, are the primary triggers for all content.
- Don't Rush the Party: Hold off on throwing the big party until you’ve exhausted all the one-on-one hangouts and the main romantic date. The party works best as the grand finale to the entire DLC experience.
- Talk to Everyone: On the Silversun Strip, between missions, talk to your love interest. They often have new, romance-specific dialogue that adds another layer to your relationship.
The Citadel DLC romance scenes are more than just bonus content; they are the emotional payoff for a journey spanning three games. They give you and your Shepard a chance to celebrate not just saving the galaxy, but the personal connections that made the fight worthwhile. By following this guide, you can ensure you experience every last laugh, every tender glance, and every perfect, final moment with the character who captured your Shepard’s heart. Now go on, Commander. Your happily-ever-after, however brief, awaits on the Silversun Strip.
